Mukono District
A wave of grief and anger has swept through Rhino Company Limited, a paper manufacturing company located in Kasenge B Village, Mbalala nAMA Sub-county, Mukono District, following the tragic death of a teenage worker. Gerald Mukisa Waswa, 19, lost his life in a horrific accident involving a paper-cutting machine at the factory.
Mukisa, a resident of Wataayi Village in Namataba Town Council, had just completed his Senior Four exams last year. He was reportedly working at the factory to raise money for his Senior Five education. The accident occurred early in the morning at around 5:00 AM, when the machine he was operating malfunctioned, fatally injuring him.
Mukisa’s mother, Nalongo Annet Nakachwa, recounted her last moments with her son, stating that she had seen him on Sunday before the tragic incident. She revealed that Mukisa had been a bright student at Namataba SSS and was determined to continue his education. Nakachwa expressed her frustration with the company’s management, accusing them of refusing to assist with funeral arrangements or provide any form of compensation.
Mukisa’s father, Barnabas Mukwaaya, shared his heartbreak over the loss of his son and criticized the company for its lack of support. He revealed that the family had been forced to borrow money to transport Mukisa’s body to Mityana for burial, as the company refused to contribute the requested 700,000 shillings, offering only 400,000 shillings instead.
Local leaders, including the Vice Chairperson of Wataayi Village, expressed their disappointment with the company’s handling of the situation. They accused the management of neglecting workers’ welfare and failing to provide proper safety measures.
Relatives of the deceased also condemned the company’s actions, describing the working conditions as inhumane. They called on the government to intervene and ensure justice for Mukisa and other workers who have reportedly lost their lives in similar incidents at the factory.
Samuel Odongo, the District Councilor representing Nama Sub-county, and Badru Kilalire, the Sub-county Speaker, expressed their dismay at the company’s treatment of its workers. They urged the government to investigate the factory’s operations and enforce labor laws to protect workers’ rights.
Douglas Namujali, the Mayor of Namataba Town Council, echoed these sentiments, calling for accountability and justice for Mukisa’s family. He pledged to support the family in their quest for compensation and urged the company to improve working conditions for its employees.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango confirmed that an investigation into the incident is underway. Mukisa’s body has been taken to Mulago National Referral Hospital for a postmortem examination as part of the investigation.
The tragic death of Gerald Mukisa has highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of labor laws and better working conditions in factories across Uganda. As the community mourns his loss, calls for justice and accountability grow louder.
